Oral History Interview with Richard Arrington, July 18, 1974. Interview A-0001. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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Abstract
Richard Arrington, who three years after this interview would become the first African American mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, discusses race and politics in the American South and his nascent political career, which began with a seat on the Birmingham City Council. He describes a city where white elites are very concerned with controlling the kinds of African Americans who enter politics, but where young black politicians are managing to get a foothold in city politics. He hopes that the black presence will continue to increase in Alabama and that African American politicians can set aside their differences.
Excerpts
Sense of obligation to enter politics
Arrington runs for city council
Civic group helps Birmingham
Race, politics, and development in Birmingham
Black candidate passed over for vacant council seat
More black politicians means more attention to blacks' concerns
Puzzlement at black endorsements of George Wallace
Desire to involve young African Americans in politics
Role of the Alabama Democratic Congress
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Subjects
African American politicians--Alabama
Alabama--Politics and government
Democratic Party (Ala.)
Wallace, George C. (George Corley), 1919-
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Documenting the American South undergo an editorial process to remove
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